House of Caliban

Chapter 5

 Narcissa stood before the intimating wood door, feeling herself take a deep fortifying breath before she could even consciously think to do otherwise. She had never shown up here uninvited and was unsure of what reception she might receive in doing so.

"Narcissa just come inside." The smooth voice from within the office called out causing Narcissa to stiffen her spine. Pulling her mask into place she opened the office door and walked inside, not allowing herself to become nervous.

The office was quite bright, bathed in the natural light coming from the large floor-to-ceiling windows lining one whole side of the room. The hardwood floors were almost black in color creating a sharp contrast against the red padauk wood furniture gracing the office space. Behind the glossy desk, stacked with books and papers, sat Heir Caliban carefully writing something on a piece of parchment.

"I won't be lifting his punishment Narcissa." Heir Caliban said without a pause in his writing, not even looking up at her.

"I wouldn't dream of asking you to do so, my Lord," Narcissa responded instantly. She knew better than to demand as such, although her husband was of a much different opinion. Her son deserved the punishment he was currently receiving, he needed to learn this lesson, especially if he wanted to take on the Malfoy Lordship one day.

Heir Caliban raised an eyebrow, looking up at her. "Then what is with the middle of the day visit my dear 'Cissa? You never visit me this early because Lucius becoming suspicious of your whereabouts."

"Do you wish for me to still hide my association with you Lord Caliban?" Narcissa asked in return, watching his face for a hint of what he wanted. She found herself relaxing when she saw the small smile grace Heir Caliban's face.

"No formalities here Aunt 'Cissa. Of course, you may tell whoever you like if you come to see me. You are still of Black blood and therefore my responsibility, even if you have been one of the ones helping me over the years. Come sit and tell me what brings you here other than your husband's probable tantrum over his heir's treatment." Haylan said, chuckling softly, motioning for her to sit in the chair across from his desk.

"A tantrum indeed," Narcissa grumbled as she sank into Haylan's decadently comfortable leather chairs. "Unfortunately the Malfoy-sized tantrum my husband and son threw is not the reason I came to you. I am afraid Bellatrix may cause some issues."

"I want to say I am surprised, but I am honestly not. Shall I summon the others so we can conference over what may be done?" Haylan suggested looking tired at the thought.

"I think that would be wise. Did you sleep at all after the ball, Haylan?" Narcissa asked.

"Not as much as I would have liked certainly. But I will be fine, no fussing. The others will want to fuss enough as is." Haylan said softly, sending out a quick summons to the others and ordering the house elves to make some tea and snacks for everyone.

It didn't take long before Andromeda Tonks exited the floo into Haylan's office elegantly, only to be followed by Nymphadora face-planting into the floor. Before Nymphadora could pick herself off of the floor, Sirius came through the floo and quickly tripped over her. Haylan sighed but was smiling.

"Honestly I cannot bring either of you anywhere." Andromeda snarked at the two laying on the floor before turning to Haylan and Narcissa. "Haylan, darling, it is wonderful to see you. Cissa, I hope you are well and Lucius hasn't chewed your ear off since last night."

"Lovely to see you as well Andromeda. As well as you two, Dora and Sirius." Haylan said amused. "You wouldn't be so clumsy if you remained your natural height, Dora." Haylan couldn't help but remind her which caused the pink-haired witch to sigh.